1.Bacterial community characteristics in water from public baths in Shanghai and their association with Legionella pneumophila contamination based on 16S rRNA sequencing and random forest model
Lisha SHI ; Jian CHEN ; Xiaojing LI ; Yiming ZHENG ; Lijun ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(1):82-88
Background The contamination of public baths with Legionella pneumophila contamination has become a growing public health concern in recent years. However, research on its association with bacterial community characteristics in water samples remains limited. The integration of 16S rRNA sequencing and random forest modeling provides a new approach to elucidate the bacterial community characteristics of public bath water and their association with Legionella pneumophila contamination. Objective To investigate the bacterial community structure and diversity of public bath water in Shanghai, explore the association between Legionella pneumophila contamination and bacterial community characteristics, and identify key bacterial genera associated with contamination, thereby providing a scientific basis for formulating hygiene management regulations for public bath water. Methods From February to March 2023, water samples were collected from ten public baths in Shanghai which were selected based on business scale, regional distribution, and functional differences. Water quality parameters were evaluated, and the samples were categorized into Legionella-positive and Legionella-negative groups based on the detection results of Legionella pneumophila. The bacterial community structure, α-diversity, and β-diversity were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was employed to examine the relationship between physicochemical factors and bacterial community diversity. A random forest model was employed to identify key bacterial genera distinguishing the two groups, with the importance of genera being evaluated based on the mean decrease accuracy (MDA). Results The oxygen consumption in the Legionella-positive group was significantly lower than that in the Legionella-negative group (mean values: 1.85 mg·L−1 vs. 6.81 mg·L−1, P< 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in other physicochemical indicators. The sequencing results revealed a total of 27 bacterial phyla and 454 bacterial genera, with Proteobacteria (63.00%) being the dominant phylum. The dominant genera included Pelomonas (8.50%), Acidovorax (8.13%), Mycobacterium (7.93%), and Acinetobacter (6.59%). The α-diversity analysis indicated that bacterial community richness (Chao1 and ACE indices) was significantly higher in the Legionella-positive group than in the Legionella-negative group (P<0.01). The β-diversity analysis showed no significant difference in the bacterial community structure between the two groups (P>0.05). The RDA analysis demonstrated that the bacterial community diversity was positively correlated with pH and negatively correlated with oxygen consumption and free residual chlorine. The RDA1 and RDA2 explained 23.92% and 21.30% of the bacterial community diversity, respectively. The random forest model identified 20 key genera significantly influencing the microbial community distribution between the two groups, including unclassified_Bradyrhizobiaceae (MDA=2.42), Meiothermus (MDA=2.37), and Flavihumibacter (MDA=2.26). Conclusion The diversity of bacterial communities in public bath water is influenced by pH, oxygen consumption, and free residual chlorine. Samples contaminated with Legionella pneumophila exhibit greater microbial richness and contain characteristic key bacterial genera that contribute to community differences. Machine learning random forest technology helps identify these distinctive key bacterial genera. The findings provide a basis for carrying out risk early warning strategies in such settings.
2.Setup errors using four-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography and their influence on target dose-volume parameters in lung cancer patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy
Yiming XUE ; Jinrong WANG ; Ya LI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):200-205
Objective This study aims to assess the impact of four-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (4D-CBCT) image guidance on setup error correction and target dose distribution optimization in patients receiving stereotactic body radiotherapy for lung cancer. Methods A total of 82 lung cancer patients treated with SBRT in our hospital between February 2023 and February 2025 were randomly selected as study subjects. Using a random number table, they were divided into two groups. The conventional group underwent positioning verification using traditional three-dimensional cone-beam CT, while the study group underwent verification using 4D-CBCT. Setup errors, target dose-volume parameters, organ at risk dose-volume parameters, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results The setup errors in the X, Y, and Z axes in the study group were 0.21, 0.19, and 0.23 mm, respectively, which were significantly lower than 0.58, 0.62, and 0.59 mm in the conventional group (P<0.05). The three-dimensional vector error was 0.34 (0.21, 0.48) mm in the study group, which was significantly lower than 0.98 (0.65, 1.32) mm in the conventional group (P<0.05). The rotational errors in left-right, anteroposterior, and superior-inferior directions in the study group were (0.25±0.12)°, (0.21±0.10)°, and (0.23±0.11)°, respectively; these values were significantly lower than (0.48±0.18)°, (0.42±0.15)°, and (0.45±0.16)° in the conventional group (P<0.05). The minimum dose received by 95% of the target volume [(59.45±0.85) Gy] and the percentage of the target volume receiving at least 100% of the prescription dose [(95.82±2.65)%] in the study group were higher than those in the conventional group [(58.90±1.20) Gy and (93.65±3.85)%]. The homogeneity index and conformity index in the study group were 1.07±0.03 and 1.15±0.05, respectively, which were lower than 1.12±0.05 and 1.23±0.08 in the conventional group (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in the volume of the lung receiving 5 Gy [(28.11±5.52)% vs. (28.85±6.24)%], the volume of the lung receiving 20 Gy [(12.84±3.56)% vs. (13.45±3.90)%], mean lung dose [(8.65±2.11) Gy vs. (8.95±2.34) Gy], maximum spinal cord dose [(18.54±3.62) Gy vs. (19.13±4.25) Gy], or mean heart dose[(14.85±4.22) Gy vs. (16.27±4.83) Gy](P>0.05). The incidence rates of radiation pneumonitis, radiation esophagitis, and skin reactions in the study group were 12.20%, 7.32%, and 4.88%, respectively, which were not significantly different from 17.07%, 9.76%, and 7.32% in the conventional group (P>0.05). Conclusion The 4D-CBCT can reduce setup errors, improve target dose accuracy and conformity in lung cancer patients undergoing SBRT, and minimize radiation exposure to normal tissues, making it worthy of clinical promotion.
3.Setup errors using four-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography and their influence on target dose-volume parameters in lung cancer patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy
Yiming XUE ; Jinrong WANG ; Ya LI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):200-205
Objective This study aims to assess the impact of four-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (4D-CBCT) image guidance on setup error correction and target dose distribution optimization in patients receiving stereotactic body radiotherapy for lung cancer. Methods A total of 82 lung cancer patients treated with SBRT in our hospital between February 2023 and February 2025 were randomly selected as study subjects. Using a random number table, they were divided into two groups. The conventional group underwent positioning verification using traditional three-dimensional cone-beam CT, while the study group underwent verification using 4D-CBCT. Setup errors, target dose-volume parameters, organ at risk dose-volume parameters, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results The setup errors in the X, Y, and Z axes in the study group were 0.21, 0.19, and 0.23 mm, respectively, which were significantly lower than 0.58, 0.62, and 0.59 mm in the conventional group (P<0.05). The three-dimensional vector error was 0.34 (0.21, 0.48) mm in the study group, which was significantly lower than 0.98 (0.65, 1.32) mm in the conventional group (P<0.05). The rotational errors in left-right, anteroposterior, and superior-inferior directions in the study group were (0.25±0.12)°, (0.21±0.10)°, and (0.23±0.11)°, respectively; these values were significantly lower than (0.48±0.18)°, (0.42±0.15)°, and (0.45±0.16)° in the conventional group (P<0.05). The minimum dose received by 95% of the target volume [(59.45±0.85) Gy] and the percentage of the target volume receiving at least 100% of the prescription dose [(95.82±2.65)%] in the study group were higher than those in the conventional group [(58.90±1.20) Gy and (93.65±3.85)%]. The homogeneity index and conformity index in the study group were 1.07±0.03 and 1.15±0.05, respectively, which were lower than 1.12±0.05 and 1.23±0.08 in the conventional group (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in the volume of the lung receiving 5 Gy [(28.11±5.52)% vs. (28.85±6.24)%], the volume of the lung receiving 20 Gy [(12.84±3.56)% vs. (13.45±3.90)%], mean lung dose [(8.65±2.11) Gy vs. (8.95±2.34) Gy], maximum spinal cord dose [(18.54±3.62) Gy vs. (19.13±4.25) Gy], or mean heart dose[(14.85±4.22) Gy vs. (16.27±4.83) Gy](P>0.05). The incidence rates of radiation pneumonitis, radiation esophagitis, and skin reactions in the study group were 12.20%, 7.32%, and 4.88%, respectively, which were not significantly different from 17.07%, 9.76%, and 7.32% in the conventional group (P>0.05). Conclusion The 4D-CBCT can reduce setup errors, improve target dose accuracy and conformity in lung cancer patients undergoing SBRT, and minimize radiation exposure to normal tissues, making it worthy of clinical promotion.
4.Setup errors using four-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography and their influence on target dose-volume parameters in lung cancer patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy
Yiming XUE ; Jinrong WANG ; Ya LI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):200-205
Objective This study aims to assess the impact of four-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (4D-CBCT) image guidance on setup error correction and target dose distribution optimization in patients receiving stereotactic body radiotherapy for lung cancer. Methods A total of 82 lung cancer patients treated with SBRT in our hospital between February 2023 and February 2025 were randomly selected as study subjects. Using a random number table, they were divided into two groups. The conventional group underwent positioning verification using traditional three-dimensional cone-beam CT, while the study group underwent verification using 4D-CBCT. Setup errors, target dose-volume parameters, organ at risk dose-volume parameters, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results The setup errors in the X, Y, and Z axes in the study group were 0.21, 0.19, and 0.23 mm, respectively, which were significantly lower than 0.58, 0.62, and 0.59 mm in the conventional group (P<0.05). The three-dimensional vector error was 0.34 (0.21, 0.48) mm in the study group, which was significantly lower than 0.98 (0.65, 1.32) mm in the conventional group (P<0.05). The rotational errors in left-right, anteroposterior, and superior-inferior directions in the study group were (0.25±0.12)°, (0.21±0.10)°, and (0.23±0.11)°, respectively; these values were significantly lower than (0.48±0.18)°, (0.42±0.15)°, and (0.45±0.16)° in the conventional group (P<0.05). The minimum dose received by 95% of the target volume [(59.45±0.85) Gy] and the percentage of the target volume receiving at least 100% of the prescription dose [(95.82±2.65)%] in the study group were higher than those in the conventional group [(58.90±1.20) Gy and (93.65±3.85)%]. The homogeneity index and conformity index in the study group were 1.07±0.03 and 1.15±0.05, respectively, which were lower than 1.12±0.05 and 1.23±0.08 in the conventional group (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in the volume of the lung receiving 5 Gy [(28.11±5.52)% vs. (28.85±6.24)%], the volume of the lung receiving 20 Gy [(12.84±3.56)% vs. (13.45±3.90)%], mean lung dose [(8.65±2.11) Gy vs. (8.95±2.34) Gy], maximum spinal cord dose [(18.54±3.62) Gy vs. (19.13±4.25) Gy], or mean heart dose[(14.85±4.22) Gy vs. (16.27±4.83) Gy](P>0.05). The incidence rates of radiation pneumonitis, radiation esophagitis, and skin reactions in the study group were 12.20%, 7.32%, and 4.88%, respectively, which were not significantly different from 17.07%, 9.76%, and 7.32% in the conventional group (P>0.05). Conclusion The 4D-CBCT can reduce setup errors, improve target dose accuracy and conformity in lung cancer patients undergoing SBRT, and minimize radiation exposure to normal tissues, making it worthy of clinical promotion.
5.Mechanism of Qiju Dihuang Wan in Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Based on NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Ge ZHANG ; Chunlin ZHAO ; Li PAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Zehai CHEN ; Siya ZHANG ; Yiming FANG ; Wei SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):11-21
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Qiju Dihuang Wan on diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its regulatory mechanism on the NOD-like receptor protein 3/Cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1/Gasdermin D (NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsHuman retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMEC) were divided into the blank group, model group, and Qiju Dihuang Wan low- and high-dose groups. Except for the blank group, all groups were induced with 40 mmol·L-1 high glucose, and the treatment groups were supplemented with 6% and 12% Qiju Dihuang Wan-containing serum, respectively, based on the induction. After 24 h of culture, the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), pyroptosis-related protein expression was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot, and the mRNA levels of NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway-related molecules were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The mice were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, Qiju Dihuang Wan low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (11, 22, 44 g·kg-1·d-1), and calcium dobesilate group (0.13 g·kg-1·d-1). Except for the blank group, all groups were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to establish the DR model. After successful modeling, the treatment groups received corresponding doses of Qiju Dihuang Wan crude drug or calcium dobesilate suspension by gavage once daily, while the blank group and model group received an equal volume of normal saline, for 8 consecutive weeks. Fundus changes were examined by optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, and fundus fluorescein angiography. Retinal pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of NLRP3, Caspase‑1, GSDMD, IL‑1β, and IL‑18 in retinal tissue, and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase‑1, and GSDMD‑N. ResultsCell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the model group showed significantly decreased HRMEC viability (P<0.01), and significantly increased levels of IL-1β, IL-18, as well as increased protein expression of NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, and GSDMD-N (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the above indicators were significantly reduced in the high-dose Qiju Dihuang Wan groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Animal experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had elevated blood glucose (P<0.01), decreased retinal thickness and vascular density (P<0.01), up‑regulated mRNA expression of NLRP3, Caspase‑1, GSDMD, IL‑1β and IL‑18 in retinal tissue (P<0.01), and up‑regulated protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase‑1 and GSDMD‑N (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Qiju Dihuang Wan medium- and high‑dose groups showed decreased blood glucose (P<0.01), increased retinal thickness and vascular density (P<0.01), alleviated retinal pathological damage, and down‑regulated mRNA expression of NLRP3, Caspase‑1, GSDMD, IL‑1β, IL‑18, as well as protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase‑1, and GSDMD‑N (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQiju Dihuang Wan may exert protective effects against diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway and alleviating high glucose-induced retinal pyroptosis.
6.Mechanism of Qiju Dihuang Wan in Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Based on NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Ge ZHANG ; Chunlin ZHAO ; Li PAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Zehai CHEN ; Siya ZHANG ; Yiming FANG ; Wei SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):11-21
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Qiju Dihuang Wan on diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its regulatory mechanism on the NOD-like receptor protein 3/Cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1/Gasdermin D (NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsHuman retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMEC) were divided into the blank group, model group, and Qiju Dihuang Wan low- and high-dose groups. Except for the blank group, all groups were induced with 40 mmol·L-1 high glucose, and the treatment groups were supplemented with 6% and 12% Qiju Dihuang Wan-containing serum, respectively, based on the induction. After 24 h of culture, the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), pyroptosis-related protein expression was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot, and the mRNA levels of NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway-related molecules were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The mice were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, Qiju Dihuang Wan low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (11, 22, 44 g·kg-1·d-1), and calcium dobesilate group (0.13 g·kg-1·d-1). Except for the blank group, all groups were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to establish the DR model. After successful modeling, the treatment groups received corresponding doses of Qiju Dihuang Wan crude drug or calcium dobesilate suspension by gavage once daily, while the blank group and model group received an equal volume of normal saline, for 8 consecutive weeks. Fundus changes were examined by optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, and fundus fluorescein angiography. Retinal pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of NLRP3, Caspase‑1, GSDMD, IL‑1β, and IL‑18 in retinal tissue, and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase‑1, and GSDMD‑N. ResultsCell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the model group showed significantly decreased HRMEC viability (P<0.01), and significantly increased levels of IL-1β, IL-18, as well as increased protein expression of NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, and GSDMD-N (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the above indicators were significantly reduced in the high-dose Qiju Dihuang Wan groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Animal experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had elevated blood glucose (P<0.01), decreased retinal thickness and vascular density (P<0.01), up‑regulated mRNA expression of NLRP3, Caspase‑1, GSDMD, IL‑1β and IL‑18 in retinal tissue (P<0.01), and up‑regulated protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase‑1 and GSDMD‑N (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Qiju Dihuang Wan medium- and high‑dose groups showed decreased blood glucose (P<0.01), increased retinal thickness and vascular density (P<0.01), alleviated retinal pathological damage, and down‑regulated mRNA expression of NLRP3, Caspase‑1, GSDMD, IL‑1β, IL‑18, as well as protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase‑1, and GSDMD‑N (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQiju Dihuang Wan may exert protective effects against diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway and alleviating high glucose-induced retinal pyroptosis.
7.Role of innate immune mechanisms triggered by mitochondrial DNA release in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and targeted intervention strategies
Yu ZHOU ; Kaiyang LI ; Mei YANG ; Qi ZHAO ; Yiming ZHAO ; Fei ZHANG ; Qian WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(8):1960-1966
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, with a complex pathogenesis. Mitochondria play a pivotal role in this disease process, and studies have confirmed that mitochondrial dysfunction can exacerbate metabolic disorders and induce innate immune imbalance, while mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is the core molecule mediating these two pathological effects. After the abnormal release of mtDNA, it can be recognized by intracellular pattern recognition receptors, which in turn triggers innate immune responses and causes tissue damage, forming a pathological pathway of “mtDNA release-immune activation-tissue damage”. Currently, there is a lack of systematic reviews summarizing the mechanism of action of this pathway in different stages of MAFLD and the intervention strategies targeting this pathway. This article systematically reviews the core molecular mechanism of this pathway, its pathological role in the development and progression of MAFLD, and the current intervention strategies targeting this mechanism, in order to provide a theoretical basis for analyzing the pathogenesis of MAFLD and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
8.Mechanism of Paeoniflorin Regulating TLR4/NF-κB-IRS1 Inflammation-insulin Signaling Axis to Improve Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease Combined with Insulin Resistance
Luyu LI ; Yiming FAN ; Wenlong YU ; Yiteng ZHANG ; Yaorui HU ; Huanxin DING ; Chuxuan LIU ; Xin JIN ; Hongyu ZHANG ; Qian XU ; Guangyong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):146-156
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of paeoniflorin on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) combined with insulin resistance (IR), and to elucidate its regulatory mechanisms on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB-insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) inflammation-insulin signaling axis. MethodsMASLD mouse model was established using a 60% high-fat diet. Mice were randomly assigned to a normal control group, a MASLD model group, and paeoniflorin groups (low dose: 25 mg·kg-1·d-1, medium dose: 50 mg·kg-1·d-1, high dose: 100 mg·kg-1·d-1), receiving intragastric administration for consecutive 12 weeks. Concurrently, a palmitic acid/oleic acid (PA/OA)-induced lipid deposition model was established in HepG2 cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to determine the optimal concentrations of PA/OA and paeoniflorin for intervention. Mice body weight, liver index, and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) were measured. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin (FINS) levels were measured, and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated, while an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to evaluate glucose metabolism. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissue, and oil red O staining was used to evaluate lipid droplet deposition in liver tissue and HepG2 cells. Potential targets were screened using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of HSP90AA1, TLR4, p-NF-κB p65, p-IRS1, and p-Akt proteins in liver tissue and HepG2 cells. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, mice in the MASLD model group exhibited significantly increased body weight, liver index, and serum levels of ALT, AST, TG, and TC, as well as markedly elevated FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR, and impaired glucose tolerance (P<0.01). HE staining revealed marked hepatic steatosis and inflammatory cell infiltration, while oil red O staining showed a significant increase in lipid droplet deposition. Compared with the MASLD model group, after intervention with various doses of paeoniflorin, the increase in body weight and liver index was reduced, serum ALT, AST, TG, and TC levels decreased, and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR were significantly lowered, with glucose tolerance markedly improved (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing a certain dose-dependent trend. HE and oil red O staining results showed a marked reduction in hepatic steatosis and lipid deposition. In vitro experiments demonstrated that, compared with the control group, PA/OA treatment significantly induced increased lipid deposition in HepG2 cells. Compared with the model group, paeoniflorin intervention significantly reduced intracellular lipid droplets, and lipid deposition showed a dose-dependent decreasing trend. Mechanism studies indicated that, compared with the normal control group, the MASLD model group exhibited significantly elevated expression of TLR4, HSP90AA1, and p-NF-κB p65, while p-IRS1 (Ser307) expression was elevated and p-Akt (Ser473) expression was reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of the aforementioned proteins was significantly reversed in all treatment groups following intervention (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionPaeoniflorin significantly alleviates lipid deposition and insulin resistance in MASLD mice. Its mechanism of action may involve targeting HSP90AA1, TLR4, and NF-κB1 to regulate the TLR4/NF-κB-IRS1 inflammation-insulin signaling axis. This regulation suppresses inflammatory responses and restores insulin signaling, thereby ameliorating abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism.
9.Mechanism of Paeoniflorin Regulating TLR4/NF-κB-IRS1 Inflammation-insulin Signaling Axis to Improve Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease Combined with Insulin Resistance
Luyu LI ; Yiming FAN ; Wenlong YU ; Yiteng ZHANG ; Yaorui HU ; Huanxin DING ; Chuxuan LIU ; Xin JIN ; Hongyu ZHANG ; Qian XU ; Guangyong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):146-156
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of paeoniflorin on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) combined with insulin resistance (IR), and to elucidate its regulatory mechanisms on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB-insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) inflammation-insulin signaling axis. MethodsMASLD mouse model was established using a 60% high-fat diet. Mice were randomly assigned to a normal control group, a MASLD model group, and paeoniflorin groups (low dose: 25 mg·kg-1·d-1, medium dose: 50 mg·kg-1·d-1, high dose: 100 mg·kg-1·d-1), receiving intragastric administration for consecutive 12 weeks. Concurrently, a palmitic acid/oleic acid (PA/OA)-induced lipid deposition model was established in HepG2 cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to determine the optimal concentrations of PA/OA and paeoniflorin for intervention. Mice body weight, liver index, and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) were measured. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin (FINS) levels were measured, and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated, while an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to evaluate glucose metabolism. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissue, and oil red O staining was used to evaluate lipid droplet deposition in liver tissue and HepG2 cells. Potential targets were screened using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of HSP90AA1, TLR4, p-NF-κB p65, p-IRS1, and p-Akt proteins in liver tissue and HepG2 cells. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, mice in the MASLD model group exhibited significantly increased body weight, liver index, and serum levels of ALT, AST, TG, and TC, as well as markedly elevated FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR, and impaired glucose tolerance (P<0.01). HE staining revealed marked hepatic steatosis and inflammatory cell infiltration, while oil red O staining showed a significant increase in lipid droplet deposition. Compared with the MASLD model group, after intervention with various doses of paeoniflorin, the increase in body weight and liver index was reduced, serum ALT, AST, TG, and TC levels decreased, and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR were significantly lowered, with glucose tolerance markedly improved (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing a certain dose-dependent trend. HE and oil red O staining results showed a marked reduction in hepatic steatosis and lipid deposition. In vitro experiments demonstrated that, compared with the control group, PA/OA treatment significantly induced increased lipid deposition in HepG2 cells. Compared with the model group, paeoniflorin intervention significantly reduced intracellular lipid droplets, and lipid deposition showed a dose-dependent decreasing trend. Mechanism studies indicated that, compared with the normal control group, the MASLD model group exhibited significantly elevated expression of TLR4, HSP90AA1, and p-NF-κB p65, while p-IRS1 (Ser307) expression was elevated and p-Akt (Ser473) expression was reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of the aforementioned proteins was significantly reversed in all treatment groups following intervention (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionPaeoniflorin significantly alleviates lipid deposition and insulin resistance in MASLD mice. Its mechanism of action may involve targeting HSP90AA1, TLR4, and NF-κB1 to regulate the TLR4/NF-κB-IRS1 inflammation-insulin signaling axis. This regulation suppresses inflammatory responses and restores insulin signaling, thereby ameliorating abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism.
10.Interpretation and Implementation Paths of Specification for Quality Control in Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Trials
Haoling ZHANG ; Yanling GAO ; Guanhua REN ; Panbo QIU ; Yiming WANG ; Qingna LI ; Zhenzhen QIAN ; Guoyuan ZHANG ; Xinyue DAI ; Leping WANG ; Rui GAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(20):2173-2178
Specification for Quality Control in Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Trials(GB/T 47336-2026) is the first national standard in the field of clinical research on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), aims to address the core issue that the quality shortcomings of current TCM clinical research restrict the transformation of achievements and international recognition. Through the interpretation of the core contents of this standard, including its scope of application, graded quality control system, TCM-specific quality control requirements, implementation and responsible entities, responsibilities of quality control personnel, formulation of quality control plans, critical nodes of quality control, and quality control archive management, it is believed that the promotion and implementation of this standard are of great significance for improving the standard system of TCM clinical research, enhancing research quality, optimizing the quality management model, and promoting the internationalization process of TCM. Meanwhile, the implementation paths for the standard are discussed, including carrying out pilot applications in institutions, establishing publicity, implementation, and training mechanisms, encouraging multi-party collaborative supervision, and setting up implementation feedback mechanisms. On this basis, the challenges that may be encountered during implementation, such as resource input pressure, difficulties in implementing TCM-specific quality control, and a relative shortage of interdisciplinary composite talents, are sorted out, and corresponding strategies are proposed, which can provide references for relevant researchers and practitioners.

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